VOLUNTEERS who run their town’s own museum have won the praise of their local MP.

Tory Rishi Sunak visited Bedale Museum – situated in Bedale Hall - to see the range of exhibits telling the story of the town.

He was shown round by committee member Richard Deakins who is also one of the volunteers who run the attraction..

“The museum is small but it’s a incredible free resource for the town,” said Mr Sunak.

“There’s a wealth of fascinating exhibits which chronicle the social history of Bedale and district.

“The voluteers who run it do an incredible job. I would urge people to visit, especially if they haven’t been.”

The museum, founded in 1959, currently has an exhibition devoted to the Queen’s 90th birthday and next month hosts a Durham University touring exhibition Skeleton Science.

The exhibition, which will run from June 24 to 26, unlocks the secrets of our long dead ancestors, using clues from just the bones left behind.

Visitors will be able to trace the life of a skeleton from excavation right through to the laboratory; explore disease, injury, family relationships and incredible journeys.

The museum is open from 10am to noon Tuesday to Saturday, 1.30pm to 4pm on Mondays and 2pm to 4.30pm on Tuesday.